Dimboola

Dimboola – the epitome of the Country Aussie Wedding - was a great hit when the play first burst forth in the early seventies in the form of Theatre Restaurant Entertainment: where the audience were the invited guests at the nuptials of ‘Reen’ and ‘Morrie’ and partook of the wedding breakfast along with the Bridal Party on stage.

Unfortunately, the show hasn’t survived the test of time and this production, in a conventional theatre setting, is proof of just how far we have progressed. I had seen Dimboola several times but now, thirty-odd years on, it seems to have lost much of its appeal.

Dorothy Henderson has an interesting collection of ‘ockers’ in the Wedding Party but the production was not up the standard one has come to expect from this experienced director.

Reen – Stephanie Toft, was a radiant bride and Morrie – Lachlan Mitchern, had “no worries” as to what was expected of him and the rest of the guests drank, burped, flatulated and cursed their way through the celebrations like it was an opportunity not to be missed. Standout performances were few and far between but mention must made of drunken Aggie – Ruth Henderson and her equally drunk cousin Horrie – Bruce Alker Jnr and also Flower Girl and Page Boy – Tia and Jye Thompson.

Dennis Watkins’ detail in costuming and table settings were redeeming features of the show.

Roger McKenzie